Best Cruises to Hawaii

Launched in 2010 and most recently updated in 2015, the 2,852-passenger Eclipse is one of Celebrity's largest vessels. About 85 percent of Eclipse's accommodations include verandas, and those who splurge on suites and Aqua Class staterooms receive butler service and access to exclusive specialty dining. All cabins offer interactive flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

As far as activities go, travelers can stay active at the Lawn Club, lounge by three pools, participate in cooking classes and shop at a variety of upscale boutiques. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy theme parties, comedy acts and Broadway-style shows. Meanwhile, kids programming (geared toward guests ages 3 to 17) includes karaoke, Xbox consoles and organized games.

When it comes to dining, past cruisers praised the variety of casual and formal choices. The ship offers 11 eateries, including five specialty venues where reservations are required and additional charges apply. From the room stewards to the restaurant servers, Celebrity Eclipse's staff was also a point of praise among recent guests.

In 2018-19, Celebrity Eclipse offers itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii, the coastal Pacific (including ports in San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver), Europe and South America. 

Originally launched in 2008 and updated in late 2015, ms Eurodam carries up to 2,104 passengers and 876 crew members.

The ship’s 11 decks include five cabin categories: Interior staterooms (141 to 284 square feet), Ocean View and Verandah staterooms, and Signature and Neptune Suites. All cabins come equipped with plush Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. Suites received updates to the furniture, carpeting and bathrooms, as well as a USB outlet on the bed's headboard and a Bose Bluetooth speaker. 

Recent cruisers of ms Eurodam were pleased with the versatile selection of nine dining venues. Most notably, the ship offers Tamarind, which serves exotic fare from Southeast Asia, China and Japan. 

Daytime activities range from the new America's Test Kitchen to the BBC Earth Experiences. More active pursuits include two swimming pools and sports courts. In the evenings, passengers can sip cocktails at one of the bars or lounges or take in a show at the Lincoln Center Stage or B.B. King's Blues Club.

In 2018-19, ms Eurodam departs from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Seattle and Vancouver for sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and Tahiti, Mexico and more. 

First launched in 1998, the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess underwent a renovation in December 2016 to include newly remodeled restaurants, youth clubs and a new Movies Under the Stars poolside screen. Other onboard amenities include the adults-only Sanctuary, duty-free boutiques and educational programs through the Discovery of SEA program.

The ship houses a total of 12 dining venues, including three main dining rooms, four specialty venues and a variety of casual eateries serving classics like burgers and pizza. Come nightfall, passengers can enjoy musicals in the theater and cocktails in their pick of lounges.

The recently refurbished accommodations are outfitted with amenities like flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Though only 76 percent of exterior cabins offer private balconies – a lower percentage than other ships in the fleet – guests describe cabins as comfortable and spacious. Plus, thanks to a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio (the ship features 1,150 crew members), past cruisers describe the onboard service as attentive and friendly. 

In 2018-19, Grand Princess departs from San Francisco and Los Angeles for sailings in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico. 

Emerald Princess, which debuted in 2007 and was most recently updated in 2015, is one of the largest ships in the fleet. It carries up to 3,080 passengers and offers balconies in 80 percent of its exterior cabins. Recent cruisers describe the accommodations as sleek and spacious. While groups can opt for a Family Suite for more square footage, those who splurge on Suite category cabins are granted perks like specialty dining and priority disembarkation at ports. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges.

Activities include duty-free shopping boutiques, the Lotus Spa and a photography studio. In the evenings, theater shows, outdoor movies and multiple lounging areas keep cruisers entertained. The ship also offers age-appropriate youth clubs. With four pool areas, seven whirlpool spas and 12 dining venues – including five specialty restaurants – the ship rarely felt crowded (according to most passengers). 

In 2018-19, Emerald Princess offers a wide variety of sailings in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the California Coast and more. 

Renovated in 2016, Pride of America is Norwegian's only ship that offers year-round sailings in Hawaii. As such, it is home to a hands-on learning center about the history of Hawaii and the fleet's only luau-inspired show, Rock-a-Hula. The ship also represents other famous USA sights with themed areas like the SoHo Art Gallery (reminiscent of New York) and the South Beach Pool (based on Miami Beach).

The ship caters to a diverse set of age groups; it offers youth-oriented programs for guests ages 3 to 17, as well as more adult-friendly pursuits like a golf driving net, the Mandara Spa and the quiet Conservatory.

Pride of America's cabins also appeal to a wide range of travelers, from the Studio staterooms for solo travelers (which include exclusive access to the Studio Lounge) to Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suite category cabins for groups. Pride of America offers 13 eateries ranging from the complimentary Aloha Café to Cagney's Steakhouse, one of seven specialty restaurants.

Pride of America carries up to 2,186 passengers and 927 crew members, maintaining a nearly 2-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio.